Torres okay after training spill

Francisco Torres, second-leading rider at Fair Grounds, avoided serious injury in a spill during training hours there Thursday. Torres was working a Mark Frostad-trained filly named Peaceful Forest when she collapsed and died. Torres was taken to University Hospital, where no consequential injuries were found, according to his agent, Derek Ducoing.

While Torres escaped injury that could take him out of action for a sustained period, he missed his mounts Thursday, and also was considering taking off on Friday, Ducoing said. Torres did expect to return to action by Saturday's six-stakes program.

Torres, spending his first season at Fair Grounds, is having a great meet, with 30 winners already. Only defending Fair Grounds riding champ Jamie Theriot, who had 34 wins through mid-card Thursday, has ridden more.

Peaceful Forest was taken to the Louisiana State University equine clinic for an autopsy.